Continued pressure on prison system
Fíona Ní Chinnéide, Deputy Director of the Probation Service, discusses the significance of their Community Service projects.
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The Journal
9 hours ago
- The Journal
'This is my final message': Journalist assassinated by Israel had warned about his fate
LAST UPDATE | 58 mins ago 'IF THESE WORDS reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice.' Those were some of the final words of journalist Anas al-Sharif, 28, who was killed in Gaza overnight alongside fellow reporter Mohammed Qreiqeh and cameramen Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal and Moamen Aliwa. It's been described by their network, Al Jazeera, as a 'targeted assassination' by Israel outside Gaza City's Al-Shifa Hospital. Al-Sharif, who was one of the only journalists still reporting from the centre of the devastation, was the subject of a 'smear campaign', his colleague said, prior to his death. Israel had accused al-Sharif of being a 'Hamas terrorist', which both he and Al Jazeera continuously refuted. The United Nations had warned that al-Sharif would be targeted amid the 'unfounded' accusations. 'I call on all States, especially those who pride themselves on being champions of media freedom and safety for journalists, not to remain silent in the face of this blatant assault on journalists,' said Irene Khan, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, in July. Advertisement 'On the one hand, Israel refuses to allow any international journalists to enter Gaza, and on the other, it ruthlessly smears, threatens, obstructs, targets and kills the few local journalists remaining as the only eyes of the outside world on the ongoing genocide.' Palestinians carry the bodies of journalists, including Al Jazeera correspondents Anas al-Sharif and Mohamed Qreiqeh, who were killed by the IDF Alamy Alamy The Council to Protect Journalists said there is a pattern of the state labelling journalists as militants without any evidence. More than 186 journalists have been killed since the start of the Israel-Gaza war on October 7, at least 180 of those journalists are Palestinians killed by Israel. Speaking about the death of his colleagues, Al Jazeera's managing editor Mohamed Moawad told RTÉ's Morning Ireland that they didn't imagine they'd see the Israeli government openly threaten journalists. 'A government was threatening a journalist who was 24 hours on air, uncovering the atrocities in Gaza City. '[Al-Sharif's] work is corroborated by so many news outlets around the globe.' He said journalists in the region not only risk being attacked, but they're also experiencing hunger and deprivation, just as thousands of Gazans are. Al-Sharif was 'giving a voice to the voiceless', Maowad said, and the government 'wants to silence the truth'. Related Reads Israel kills prominent Al Jazeera journalist and four colleagues in strike on media tent Legality vs Reality: Could Western leaders face consequences for complicity in genocide? 'No more futile war': Hostage families fear the worst as Israel expands Gaza occupation 'We don't have any correspondent now in Gaza City, and that's telling.' This is my will and my final message. If these words reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice. First, peace be upon you and Allah's mercy and blessings. Allah knows I gave every effort and all my strength to be a support and a voice for my… — أنس الشريف Anas Al-Sharif (@AnasAlSharif0) August 10, 2025 Al-Sharif is survived by his wife, Umm Salah, and his son. He requested that, in the event of his death, a message be shared on his X account. It reads: 'I urge you not to let chains silence you, nor borders restrain you. Be bridges toward the liberation of the land and its people, until the sun of dignity and freedom rises over our stolen homeland. 'If I die, I die steadfast upon my principles. 'Do not forget Gaza… And do not forget me in your sincere prayers for forgiveness and acceptance.' The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ireland will hold a demonstration at the Spire on Dublin's O'Connell Street today at 6pm to 'express outrage at Israel's ongoing targeting and killing of journalists'. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
12 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Man killed in Downpatrick named and priest remains in hospital after ‘brutal attack' that police believe may be linked
The father-of-two died following an incident in the Marian Park area of the town on Sunday. A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. The incident is believed to be linked with a 'brutal attack' on an elderly priest. Fr John Murray is now in a 'stable and comfortable condition' in hospital, his parish has said. Fr Murray, who was due to retire on Thursday, was preparing to celebrate his final Mass at St Patrick's Church in Downpatrick when the attack took place. Downpatrick Family of Parishes said this morning that he "continues to receive exceptional care", and confirmed that mass will take place in St Colmcille's tomorrow at 9.30am. Fr Eddie McGee, a priest and spokesperson for the Diocese of Down and Connor, said the town of Downpatrick has seen an 'absolutely shocking series of events'. 'It's very hard to capture just the shock and the horror expressed yesterday by the parishioners and others who had experienced this brutal attack on the local priest, Fr John Murray,' he told RTÉ Radio One's Morning Ireland. 'And to be compounded later by news of the murder of another young man. My thoughts and prayers go out this morning to his wife and two daughters and extended family, who are bereaved at the needless loss of life in such brutal circumstances. "This is an absolutely shocking series of events that has taken place, and what is a really historic and beautiful town of Downpatrick, it's very hard to capture how people are experiencing this this morning,' he added. Fr McGee described a 75-year-old Fr John Murray as a 'very highly respected' and 'well-liked priest'. ADVERTISEMENT '[He was] just facing retirement this week, and indeed, a sign of his commitment to ministry is going to continue on. People this morning are praying for his safety and recovery. "News from the hospital is that he received quite serious head injuries - [he's] serious, but stable. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. "People this morning continue to be shocked, probably feel very vulnerable. This sort of brutal attack took place on a Sunday morning, and people will feel very vulnerable in these circumstances,' he added. Fr Murray was a spiritual director of Fr McGee in the seminary, and had known him for 'all of his ministry as a priest'. "He has ministered in many parishes throughout the diocese. Most recently, he was appointed as a Canon by the bishop, a sign of how he valued his advice and guidance 'For the last 11 years, he has ministered in Downpatrick and indeed the local parishes. He was the coordinating priest in that area, and so his role was to reach out and look after other priests in the area. Canon John has been so embedded in the diocese and will be known by so many. 'It is difficult to comprehend that this would happen to a priest, but at the same time, we continue to reach out. Local priests had come in to support the people of the community in Downpatrick last night and today, and also the priests have been there to visit the family of the man who was murdered in the town as well," he added. SDLP councillor Conor Galbraith said that 'a dark cloud' was hanging over Downpatrick upon news of the killing of Stephen Brannigan. "From talking to the neighbours yesterday, they would say that Stephen was a quiet lad,' said the SDLP representative. 'He got up in the morning and got about his work, but anyone in the estate needed anything done, he was the first to do it. 'I spoke to the two daughters, they are devastated, Stephen's fathers was in bits, it was awful, so so sad. 'All of the family have been informed [of the death]. 'There was a dark cloud over Downpatrick yesterday, there was a vigil held last night, it was an opportunity for people to show support, it shows that everyone has each other's back.' Newry, Mourne and Down, District Commander Superintendent Norman Haslett said: 'Police attended an address in the Marian Park area following a report of a deceased man at approximately 12pm on Sunday afternoon, 10th August. 'A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and remains in police custody assisting with enquiries. 'Enquiries are at an early stage and, at this time, we suspect this may be connected to a serious assault in the St Patrick's Street area of Downpatrick on Sunday. 'I am appealing to anyone who believes they may have information which could assist us with our investigation to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 713 of 10/8/25.' Yesterday, it was reported that a priest was seriously assaulted at his church in Downpatrick. It was reported that at around 10.10am a man had walked into the St Patrick's Church on St Patrick's Avenue and hit the priest on his head with a bottle before leaving. SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath condemned the attack on the priest. 'This is a disgraceful attack on an elderly priest which has left him in a serious condition in hospital. For this to happen in the church is particularly disgusting and I have spoken to many members of the community who are shocked and upset that this has taken place,' he said.
The Journal
15 hours ago
- The Journal
Murder suspect held with possible link to ‘brutal' bottle attack that left priest in hospital
LAST UPDATE | 55 mins ago A 30-YEAR-OLD man remains in custody after police launched a murder investigation in Downpatrick which may be linked to a violent assault on a parish priest. PSNI officers were called to St Patrick's Church on St Patrick's Avenue, Downpatrick, shortly after 10am yesterday after reports that a man had entered the building, approached Father John Murray and asked to make a confession. Moments later, the 74-year-old priest was struck on the head with a bottle. Fr Murray, who was preparing to celebrate his final Sunday Mass before retiring this week, sustained a serious head injury and was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. Police described the incident as a 'completely shocking and brutal attack'. Two hours later, at about noon, officers were called to a house in Marian Park, on the outskirts of the town, where a man in his 60s was found dead. It is understood that he had been stabbed multiple times. Emergency services attended the scene, but confirmed no one was taken to hospital. A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody. PSNI officers said they are investigating whether the two incidents are linked. Detective Chief Inspector McBurney appealed for anyone with information to come forward. Fr Murray, originally from Ballygowan and a priest for almost 50 years, has served in Downpatrick parish for the past 11 years. Advertisement St Patrick's Church in Downpatrick, Co Down. Google Maps Google Maps He remains seriously ill but stable in hospital. Hundreds of people attended a vigil at St Brigid's Church on Sunday evening to pray for Fr Murray and remember the man who died. A statement from the Downpatrick Family of Parishes thanked the public for their prayers and asked people not to speculate online. 'Please keep everyone involved in your prayers in the days ahead,' it said. St Patrick's Church remains closed, and all masses there have been cancelled until further notice. 'Difficult to comprehend' Fr Edward McGee, a priest in the diocese of Down and Connor, described the murder and attack on Fr Murray as 'a shocking series of events'. Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, he said that Fr Murray is 'well respected and liked' in the Downpatrick community, who are praying for his recovery. 'He has a great commitment to his ministry and to the people,' Fr McGee said. 'People here are just so shocked that this would happen to him.' It is difficult to comprehend that this would happen to a priest. Fr McGee said that Fr Murray received 'quite serious' heart injuries, and he is serious but stable in hospital. Local SDLP councillor Conor Galbraith described it as 'a really difficult 24 hours' for Downpatrick. Galbraith, who knows the family of the murder victim, said that the community was providing support to the man's family, including his two daughters and grandchildren. He also described Fr Murray as 'a very quiet man, but a pillar of the community' in Downpatrick. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
